Re: Track Attack !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Warning, long post. If you are like me, your attention span may not allow the entire read. Otherwise . . .
I just finished the Trackattack program and am heading home today, after checking out some of today's driving from the grandstands. The guests had a blast doing this. Overall, it was a very well run event, handled by incredibly professional staff. They were all very friendly, helpful, and entertaining individuals. Water and similar beverages were thrown at you all day long, while the classrooms were incredibly cool and comfortable.
The initial museum tour was interesting. Several Cobras and classics were there, including the Mark 1, 2, 3, and 4 GT 40's! There is a nice gift shop at the main class location with t-shirts and hats, etc.
For the first day, the basic setup of the track training was classroom education alternated with lead follow track time. This is in contrast to my HPDE events which included more instructor in-car type education. There was also a quick heel toe and launch control exercise, as well as a group van ride and track walkabout session. For the lead follow, the speeds progressed as the sessions did. I believe there were 4 track sessions. The last two were open track (non lead follow). The lead follow sessions were obviously restrictive, but once they let you go, you can really rock some solid solo track time. They allowed passing during the last session.
The first day was on the east track. Overall (based on my limited track experience) it is a technical course with three nice straights (one with a kink) and a couple of (what I call) double type turns, Agony/Ecstasy and one other. You are in 3 and 4th gears and can get over a 100 on the straights. Stay in third until you get the feel of the track. My favorite section, by far, was the Attitudes. At the end of a straight, it's uphill to a sharp blind left turn, then a quick snake-like right/left downhill onto another straight. It's kind of like that section of Laguna Seca I've seen. Crazy fun. Not sure what an average lap time was, but I was able to manage a 1:55.3. The hot lap at the end of the day in the rain, defied my belief in the laws of physics.
The second day on the West track was the highlight. The FR500s is a true race car. You get the whole package, with the super tight race seat, stripped down car, super tight suspension, R comp tires, big time negative front camber, tight removable steering wheel, headers, nice race pedals, etc. It felt like a fighter jet. It is much lighter than the Boss, but def has less power. Early lead follow and van ride sessions followed by two full passing-allowed track sessions.
The entire right side of the track is super fast, with several super fast turns. Shift from 3rd to 4th, before hitting the top straight. Cones are setup, on both days, to indicate points of contact to the edge or apex of the turns, a very nice way of directing your flow through the course. At the end of the top straight, there is a sharp left turn leading to some really interesting turns. The second, the Devils, is challenging and fun, with six points of contact! You turn in, hit one apex, track out to the edge, creep in a bit with slight maintenance throttle, then track out a second time, before touching the brake to hit the last apex, and tracking out. The second to last turn, Precision, is absolutely beautiful as it is downhill, banked, and sweeping such that you can see the entirety of the turn well before entry.
We stayed at the host hotel, the Airport Hyatt. The lobby is modest, but they have beer, wine, liquor, and a wonderful complimentary breakfast. I would definitely stay again. One very strange and random thing occurred after our first night, in the first morning, at Breakfast. I saw Thomas Friedman run into the breakfast area, take a look at the breakfast and run off. He was there long enough for me to catch him, shake his hand and say, “You were right, the World is Flat”. He Laughed.
If you get the chance, the 120 mile trip to the Bonneville speedway in the salt flats is worth the time. It is truly a notable historic marker and wonder of nature. There is literally 6 inches of salt for miles and miles. The setting, in a basin surrounded by western mountains is truly spectacular.
For lunch/dinner, we stuck with microbrews and brew pubs. Squatters, Red Rock, Bohemian pubs served excellent beer and food. Squatters was our favorite. Bayou served nice Cajun food with a large draught beer selection. The Market Grill, near the University of Utah, serves top notch seafood in a nostalgic 50's atmosphere, but is a bit pricey. I recommend the fish and chips.
If you get the opportunity, check out the Speed exhibition at the Museum of Fine Art at the University of Utah. They have several record breaking classic cars from Bonneville, as well as one of the old Shelby Daytona's.
Once again, this was an excellent experience. I highly recommend the second day with the FR. If the third day with the Raptor on the dirt track was available, I would have definitely added it. The complex includes other amenities such as a zip line as well. All the staff and pro riders are approachable and helpful. The experience also opened my eyes to driving events that don't require you to bring your own vehicle. It is a stress free and low maintenance way to track and have fun.